Bow hunting can be a very fulfilling sport, but it can also be very frustrating. Shooting a bow is all about consistency. Once your equipment is tuned, accuracy is a matter of repetition. You must have a routine that you go through to ensure you shoot your bow exactly the same every time. Here are a few tips that, when put together, will help you shoot your bow more accurately.
1. Choose a bow that fits. You have to have a bow that is comfortable to you, and your shooting style. First, make sure that you have a bow with the proper draw length. The best way to make sure your draw length is right is to be measured by a professional at an archery shop. Even a draw length one inch too long or too short can affect your accuracy. Most modern bows are now flexible with draw length, and your archery professional will be able to adjust it to your needs. Secondly, adjust the draw weight to a manageable level. Some guys think that it is manlier to shoot a high draw weight bow, but they do so to the detriment of their accuracy. If you cannot comfortably draw the bow for several shots in a row, then you are trying to shoot a bow with too much weight. With archery, shot placement is much more important than draw weight, so shoot a bow that is comfortable for you.
2. Tune your bow at least once per year. This can be done by taking your bow to an archery shop, if you cannot do it yourself. With most modern archery equipment, it takes quite a bit of equipment to make sure your bow is tuned properly. There are several things that you can look for, to make sure your equipment is in its best functioning shape. Make sure that your string and cables are in good shooting condition, and change them if there is any damage at all. Make sure to keep your string waxed with a good string wax to protect it from un-raveling, and from dry rotting. Check your limbs for splits or cracks. Replace any noise dampeners that show signs of wear and tear. Tighten any screws and bolts. Finally, check your limb bolts, and make sure that they are tightened to the proper level for the poundage you want to shoot. Use a bow square to measure, as even a small error will throw off your accuracy. Finally, make sure that your add on equipment, such as nock point, rest and sights are aligned correctly, with no loose screws. Again, use a bow square to make sure that your nock point is correct, and that your rest is square.
3. Use the right arrows. There are many options available for arrows and field tips. Talk with an archery pro to find out what weight you should be using to balance your bow. An arrow with not enough spine will be wobbly in flight, and therefore will not be consistent. Your whole set up must be balanced if you will have the kind of consistency that will ensure accuracy. You also want to make sure and have the right size arrow, and the right arrow weight. An arrow that is too light will give you problems with accuracy just as an arrow that is too heavy. For most bows today, you should use carbon arrows, tipped with field points of the same weight as the broadheads you will be using. Don’t try to cut corners on arrows. Buy the best match for your bow, and you will see much better performance from your equipment.
4. Develop a shooting routine. Once your equipment is fully set up, your next step is to develop your own comfortable shooting routine. Your routine will make it possible for you to shoot the same way every time. Start by finding a comfortable stance. Spread your feet about shoulder width, and nearly parallel to the target. When you draw your bow, draw to a particular anchor point. I use a mechanical release, and so my anchor point is at the corner of my mouth. A secondary point of reference is the middle of the nose. I draw the string back and touch my nose to the string, so that I know I am anchoring the same way every shot. Of course, when hunting you will not be able to have perfect form, so you will have to practice in different positions. But, being successful in the tree stand only comes when you have developed a comfortable shooting routine. Your routine should be second nature-you don’t want to have to think about a thing when you get the opportunity for a shot a big buck.
5. Add a sling. To develop great accuracy, you should have a very light grip on the bow. In fact, the grip of the bow should fit in your hand between the thumb and the forefinger. All fingers should be pointed, somewhat limply, at your target. When the arrow is released, the bow should fall away from your drawing hand. If you do this right, your sling will help you catch the bow, and keep it from falling from your hand. It is hard to train yourself to hold the bow lightly enough, but when you do, it will help your accuracy tremendously. A heavy grip will cause you to torque the bow the wrong way, and keep you from the consistency that is needed for accuracy.
6. Use a mechanical release. A mechanical release is simply a mechanism that allows you to use a trigger to release the string. Many modern releases are designed to actually strap to your hand, allowing you to have the right tension to draw and release your bow without much strain on your arms. When you draw a bow correctly, all the tension should be on your back and shoulders. In fact, some of the best releases are designed to work off of tension, rather than a trigger. If you can use this type of release, you will see a dramatic increase in your consistency, and therefore your accuracy. Any mechanical release will make your release smoother, and thus will improve your shooting abilities.
7. Practice, practice and more practice. There is no substitution for practice. If you want to increase your accuracy, spend time shooting your bow. You can have the best equipment in the world, but if you don’t practice, you won’t be able to shoot it. Take the time to learn your equipment, and its own intricacies. You will learn exactly what you need to do to make your bow shoot where you want it to. Too many people try to pick up their bow and go hunting, without spending any time with it. That may work with a rifle, but not with a bow. Everything has to work perfectly if you are going to harvest an animal with a bow. Take your time, shoot hundreds and even thousands of shots, and you will see a great improvement in your shooting.
If you put these tips into practice, you will see your performance improve. Consistency, along with developing your endurance will allow you to shoot more, shoot more often, and shoot more accurately. When the game is on the line, you will be ready for that big buck to walk past your stand, and you will have the confidence that you need to make the shot!
